OUR VIEW: Animals that help fight crime need safety

Ely, a K-9 with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, collapsed under extreme heat during a manhunt Sept. 8. This is not the first time the animal has suffered from heat exhaustion. This time it took a blood donation from a shelter dog, Buddy, since renamed Champ after finding a home, to help Ely turn the corner to recovery.

Then what happens?

Poor Ely was riding in a car involved in a fender-bender. He's OK, but you have to wonder who has nine lives, cats or Ely?

On a serious side, animals remain a critical tool in crime fighting. Despite all the technology available to law enforcement, dogs can still sniff out a suspect quicker than a computer, and nothing gives a more commanding, but peaceful, presence than an officer on horseback.

Animals are as much crime fighters as the men and women who work with them, but their ability to resist things like extreme heat or cold may not rival those of us who can wear protective clothing, or say something if we start to not feel well.

That's why we are pleased that Sheriff Robert Arnold committed on Sept. 9 to attempt funding for various pieces of equipment designed to help the animals that work for the department. These include medic packs for all K-9 deputies, cooling vests for use in hot weather, and sensors for vehicles to help detect rising temperatures.

He is also committed to advanced training for handling K-9 medical emergencies.

No statistics could be found on the numbers of police dogs working in the United States, but nearly every jurisdiction, regardless of how large or how small, has them working to protect its citizens.

The simple fact is police dogs are officers of the law. They are trained to protect and serve the population and other officers by using their unique talents.

Just like our human officers, police dogs need the proper equipment to keep them safe, and that includes safety from the elements. Also, there needs to be a bit more thought given to how they are handled during extreme weather conditions.

And yes, Sheriff Arnold needs to be given the funds to better equip these animals that serve the entire county.